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By: Matt Adler
What is an "espalier" you may be asking yourself.
The term espalier has changed over the years. Originally it
defined a trellis, or a frame, to which a tree was to be tied.
It presently refers to the process of training your tree or
plant. The purpose of an espalier is to be able to grow a
tree in limited space. The process originated with fruit trees
in order to provide fruit in small gardens and courtyards.
This art is now primarily used for decoration or privacy.
It is possible to purchase plants that have been espaliered;
however, they are typically much more expensive than free
standing plants. For the price of purchasing one espaliered
plant, you could espalier two to three free standing plants
on your own. Besides, performing the espalier yourself is
part of the fun, although it does take some work getting it
set up as well as annual maintenance.
Most espaliered plants are grown against walls where limited
space is available. An example of a perfect spot would be
on the side of a garage that has a walkway along the side.
You may wish to hide the side of the garage, while preserving
the space within the walkway. An espaliered plant will allow
you to do this, as it will grow verticle, and will spread
laterally along the structure, without encroaching on the
path. Another perfect place for an espaliered tree is between
neighbor's homes. This will provide privacy while taking up
very little space as the tree begins to grow.
It is important to remember to leave between 6" and
10" of space between any walls and the plant. This will
allow the roots to grow, as well as preventing bugs from having
easier access to any buildings, and will also prevent trapped
moisture against any structures.
A wire frame is often used in place of a trellis when planting
against a wall. You can sink or screw eyebolts into the side
of a building, and tie a wire frame between the eyebolts.
This will need to be done in height intervals of approximately
one foot. The branches will then be tied to the wires versus
a wooden trellis.
It is best to start with a small tree whose branches are
still flexible. This will allow them to bend, in order to
be tied to the trellis or frame. "Ugly" trees are
perfect to espalier. You do not need a full, thick plant,
as you will have to prune several branches that sprout out
in various directions.
Position and plant the tree so that the flattest side will
be flush against the trellis. Doing this should limit the
amount of pruning necessary. Tie the leader branch (the primary
verticle branch) to the trellis or wire frame with a twist
tie or zip tie.
With the leader branch tied, prune away any branches that
protrude forward or backward. This will leave you with branches
sprouting laterally to the sides, running along the trellis
or wire frame. Once the tree has been pruned, begin tying
the laterals to the frame at approximately 45 degree angles
from the ground. Do not put too much pressure on the branches
to bend. Once all of the lateral branches are tied, you have
started your very own espalier, for a fraction of the cost
of purchasing one at a retail store.
An espaliered tree will require annual maintenance as it
continues to grow. The second year you should be able to lower
the laterals that were originally tied at 45 degree angles
to a horizontal position, i.e. parallel to the ground, and
retie them in the lower position. New growth should be tied
in at 45 degree angles. Any branches that cannot be trained
due to sprouting out forward or backward will have to be pruned.
You will repeat the process each year of moving the 45 degree
laterals down to a horizontal position, and tying new growth
in at 45 degrees, or pruning the new growth. As the tree grows
you will be able to fill in any empty spaces in the frame.
About The Author
Matt Adler is the creator of Laffodils, a free site that offers
helpful gardening and landscaping tips. For more articles
and pointers for the do-it-yourselfer, visit http://www.laffodils.com.
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